Meanwhile: Meeting God in the WaitSample

Joseph was a young man when events transpired that would teach him an age-old lesson and find him in extra-hot trouble. He learned this excruciating lesson through his experience with Pharaoh’s flirtatious wife. We also need to learn from Joseph’s lesson—never place yourself in a situation where moral compromise could potentially happen.

Joseph’s garment, once again, caused him devastating trouble and long-lasting anguish. The first time he landed in the pit because of his garment and this time he landed in prison. Joseph refused to yield to temporary pleasures in exchange for God’s eternal blessing. We must applaud Joseph for maintaining a pure heart and for tenaciously clinging to the presence of God. However, perhaps naively, he went into Potiphar’s home when none of the other male servants were inside to serve as chaperones or protectors from the loose woman. His innocent mistake would eventually impact at least the next two years of Joseph’s life.

Although we cannot blame Joseph and accuse him of verifiable sin in this situation, it is true that our actions have long-term consequences. Even when you have done the right thing and have refused to do the wrong thing, you might be falsely accused. It is not an uncommon thing for the best of God’s children to face fabrications of the worst of sins.

My friend, when sin reaches for you . . . run! Run as hard and as fast as you can in the opposite direction. Don’t reason with sin because sin is unreasonable. Joseph ran and so should you. Don’t enter into an alliance with sin but ignore and escape it as quickly as possible. Sin is ugly, evil, and deceptive; there will be moments in life when, like Joseph, the enemy will falsely accuse you of giving in to sin.

Once again, the Lord was with Joseph just as He is with you. Don’t miss this! The Lord extended kindness and favor to him even when he was unfairly thrown into prison. How wonderful to remember that when we are in the worst place imaginable, God has not changed. His presence remains and His character is constant. He is still a God of eternal goodness and unending kindness. He showers all that He is and all He has upon His children.